Reminds me of those youtube videos of rabbits "floating" peacefully in swimming pools when it's actually just a shock response to being in water..
A lot of rabbits just don't want to be held at all, my old one was a cuddle on the ground only rabbit. xD

It's okay for Rabbits to be on their backs as long as they are properly supported and don't freak out. We talked about it in class, I'm an Animal Care graduate I wouldn't recommend doing it ALL the time, as most animals don't enjoy this. That's the ONLY time I have ever done it to Murphy, seeing if I could, as the vet needed to be able to do so due to a foot injury he had.

I have seen those videos.. Not very impressed. Poor bunn!
My Acacia is very much like an unsocial cat. She comes to me when she wants, which is not very often! And she hates being picked up! My goodness, such a fuss comes out of her.
No, it certainly will not kill them to have them on their back and, as I stated, it can help with nails clipping etc. It's the flipping back over or panicking that can cause harm.

Here's Acacia. She's my 5 year old mixed dwarf- character she is <3<3 I'm partial to bunnies because I have owned neither birds nor chinnies. Birds seem like an amusing but unpleasant pet to have - that's my opinion be it uneducated or what. All to those who love them though!
I would get a large breed bunny next, or another mini rex. I love rexes but I think larger breeds are both calmer and overlooked in the rescues!
One thing I suggest, look into the rescues in your area. Most rescues spay and neuter all bunnies going through their care -which is a huge bonus for the price. Chinnie I don't know about spaying but have a whole different care sheet than bunnies ^.^
I cannot wait to see your choice!!

D'aww, I love the pic of her in the box x] so cute!
I'll definitely do that if I do decide to get a bunny!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olympia

Bosley, Murphy must be really calm to let you have him upside down like that o-o
All these photos make me miss my bunny. :( I'll get one when I move out sometime.
I +1 the rescue thing, pretty much every good rabbit rescue will spay/neuter your bunny for you. Also I think a bunny would be a more social pet than a chinchilla, from what I've heard they tend to be more pets that you have to let approach you on their own terms when they're ready. Of course, birds would be the most social of the 3 xD

Yeah, I'm leaning more towards a 'tiel than anything...only problem is when I go to collage in a few years, I don't know if I'd be able to take him with me... :/

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laki

My friend lost her bunny from holding him upside down. It's actually a defense bunnies have to predators. People call it a "trance" but it's actually bunny going into a bit of a trance to prepare for the shock of death. I could never hold my bunnies upside down, they always freaked out. When I found out m friend lost her bunny I am now devoted to spreading the word.
Some people have to in order to clip nails and teeth but I think it's unsafe.

Oy. o_O NOT holding upside down! haha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olympia

Reminds me of those youtube videos of rabbits "floating" peacefully in swimming pools when it's actually just a shock response to being in water..
A lot of rabbits just don't want to be held at all, my old one was a cuddle on the ground only rabbit. xD

I held my bunny I had when I was 3, while sitting down. He didn't even like that xD He bit me once...but I was holding him for like, 3 hours so I think he was irritated. :P

The only issues with chinchillas is, you need to get their stuff from a petstore and the nearest one around here is 30 miles south. Food and dust bath can be pricy compared to other animals, plus they need things to constantly chew

The white one is Alphonse and the brown one is Piggy. They are a bonded male and female pair. I've had them for 5 years.

I have never owned birds or chinchillas, just bunnies. If you are considering getting a pet bunny please research it first. www.rabbit.org They aren't as simple to care for as most people (and petshops) make them out to be. They have specific dietary needs and should live indoors with the family (NEVER outside in a hutch). I have cared and rescued quite a few rabbits and I know quite a bit about them, so if you have questions please ask.

And I also agree with the others about adopting a rabbit. They come spayed/neutered which is a plus cause you won't have to pay more to get it done by a vet. Also, spaying/neutering rabbits is very important so you don't run into health and behavioral problems latter on. Oh, and also rabbits typically do better when they are kept with another rabbit. Rescues have bonded pairs that can be adopted. Getting a bonded pair is much easier than doing it yourself.

I'm sure you've thought of this, but just be sure you are ready for the lifespans that come with the three animals you are interested in. I've had two rabbits... one lived to be 13 the other 12. and I had 2 chinchillas. Unfortunately the first one died of a sickness and the second one I believe died of depression. But they have the ability to live 15+ years as well. And birds, well.... they can outlive us, lol. Just a warning. If you are prepared to take on the commitment of the animal's full lifespan, go for it! I definitely think you have a better chance at an affectionate pet in a rabbit. If you want a "constant toddler" level of energy and mischief and don't mind not really being able to cuddle it, then a chinchilla could be right for you. I'm not a huge fan of birds so I won't chime in on them. I'll leave that to the ones who know more about me. Again... I'm not downing your wanting to get one of these animals. Simply just making sure you've thought about the commitment they come with long term :) happy deciding!